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Moments with You Couples Devotional 5/3

2015May 03

COMMENTS

MAY 3

Well-Driven Nails (Part Two)

It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. ECCLESIASTES 7:18

When I was a young lad growing up in southwest Missouri, it seemed as though the preacher in our little church would tilt that pulpit of his, and hellfire and brimstone would come smoking out into the pews. He preached about the almighty God who was just and righteous in His judgments. Not all of what the preacher said was healthy, but as a boy I learned to have a reverential awe of the One who held my destiny in the palm of His hand.

We rarely hear sermons today about the fear of God. Reverential awe has been largely replaced with much softer, sweeter emotions. We’ve traded the fear of God for the love of God, not realizing we need both of them to keep us balanced and secure.

Nail Number Two: Fear God

Believers in past centuries talked about living “in the presence” of God or living “before the eyes” of God. Keeping their view of Him high and majestic drove them to change their world, because they knew that the Lord God almighty was watching. And they never forgot it. Living for God is not about kicking back and seeking ease. It is serious business. Rather than seeing the promises of God as ways to increase our checking-account balances and meet our own needs, the Bible calls us to “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). It’s not about entertainment and feeling good. It’s about seeing Him for who He is and seeing ourselves accountable to Him on a moment-by-moment basis. And real life is being accountable to others who share our pursuit of reverent, holy living.

DISCUSS

What is your perception of who God is? As you look back on the past few days, what would you have done differently if you knew God was there, watching?

PRAY

Pray that God will teach you a healthy reverential fear of Him and that you will practice His presence in your life in your choices, speech and relationships.